As a periodontist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Dr. McCawley knows that one of the best things you can do to maintain the best oral health is to floss at least once a day. This is the recommendation from the American Dental Association for good reason: it is essential to keeping bacteria at bay and cavities from forming. Despite these recommendations, they report that only 50 percent of people actually floss daily.
Why Flossing Matters
Why is there such a huge disconnect between the ADA’s recommendations and those who actually follow through? In many cases, it is due to a lack of understanding about the vital role flossing plays in maintaining healthy smiles. Brushing is a fantastic way to clean the surfaces of your teeth. However, it does not get into the deep crevices of your teeth where bacteria thrive. These bacteria form plaques that can damage your teeth and gums, so it is essential that they are removed in a timely manner. The only way to do this is with flossing.
Floss Aversion Can Be Overcome
If you are like millions of Americans, you may hate flossing. There are things you can do to overcome this aversion, including choosing a new dental floss. The type of floss you use can really have a huge impact on how often you actually floss. Other options include:
• Floss threaders
• Floss picks
• Finger wrapping
• Water flossers
Each of these options can be used to help make flossing easier for you. Floss threaders help you avoid wrapping your fingers and reduce the bulk that goes into your mouth. Floss picks are pre-prepared, disposable flossers that you can use and toss for convenience. Water flossers shoot a concentrated stream of water instead of using a string-like material. They are ideal if you have a bad gag reflex or another condition that prevents you from being able to put your fingers in your mouth.
Contact Us Today
No matter what you use when you floss, the important thing is that you do it. If it has been a while since you flossed, it may be beneficial to seek the advice of a periodontist. Call our office at 954-654-7265 to schedule an appointment with Dr. McCawley today.
